Acting alongside [James] has been a bit of a surreal experience

Stephen Hagan

Scheduled for broadcast on January 22 at 9pm, this first-ever UK TV drama from the legendary Stan Lee is based around the intriguing concept that a mysterious bracelet could bring its owner tremendously powerful amounts of luck.

The series has been produced by Carnival Films, who brought audiences the global sensation that is Downton Abbey.

Stephen (30), who was born in Doagh and moved to Greenisland when he was three, attended Carrickfergus Grammar School before moving on to the prestigious drama school LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art).

The father of three, who now lives in north London, began his career in 2007 with a part in Anthony Sher’s play, The Giant. Shortly afterwards came his screen debut in the British drama Clapham Junction.

He has also appeared in the 2009 Steven Seagal action film Against the Dark, along with television work in Mistresses, The Cut, and Injustice.

He made his West End debut in 2010 in the critically acclaimed End of the Rainbow, and went on to spend a year with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

His first trip to Los Angeles in 2014 landed Stephen a leading role in an American TV pilot for CBS called Identity, along with the lead in the Hallmark Film A Royal Christmas with Jane Seymour.

On his return to the UK, he was guest lead in Midsomer Murders and then took up a role opposite Joseph Fiennes in the feature film Risen, scheduled for release on March 18.

Speaking about his role in Lucky Man, Stephen said: “I play Rich Clayton, who is the half-brother of DI Harry Clayton, played by James Nesbitt. Harry is a talented murder detective with London’s Central Murder Investigation Squad (MIS). A compulsive gambler, Harry lost his family home in a poker game and then his wife and daughter left him. He has huge debts, and questions are being asked about his ability to do his job.

“I first met James while I was at drama school. I had my first set visit to Murphy’s Law, where I had a small walk-on part. Cut to 12 years later and I’m acting alongside him so it has all been a bit of a surreal experience. It was that first set visit, where I got to see all aspects of the production and meet James, which convinced me to be an actor.”